Mitigation of D-Galactose-Induced Aging in Mice by Cymbopogon citratus and Its Major Bioactive Compound

The biological process of aging is a progressive decline in physical ability and is characterized by oxidative stress and inflammation across multiple organs. Plant phytochemicals have emerged as promising candidate for exhibiting strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass) exhibits strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that might counteract the key mechanisms involved in aging. The current study investigates the antiaging potential of Cymbopogon citratus extract (CCE), Cymbopogon citratus-mediated silver nanoparticles (CCE-AgNPs) and Citral (Cit) in a D-galactose-induced aging mice model. In vivo evaluation was performed after inducing aging in mice by administering a dose of 250 mg per kg for 60 days continuously via intraperitoneal route followed by treatment with the respective test formulations. A dose of 250 mg per kg of CCE, 200 mg per kg dose of CCE-AgNPs, 200 mg per kg of Cit and 150 mg per kg of metformin was used a treatment. Different biochemical parameters revealed that out of all the treatments, CCE-AgNPs significantly resulting in peak values of CAT (148.6 ± 49.8 U/ml), SOD (157.2 ± 12.6 U/ml), GPx (43.0 ± 1.8 U/ml), GRx (23.0 ± 4.1 U/ml). Also, lower MDA, FSH and cortisol levels indicated strong antiaging potential of Cymbopogon citratus mediated AgNPs. Moreover, the histological findings of liver, brain and kidney of D-galactose group showed oxidative stress induced changes while CCE AgNPs improved the histopathological changes induced by D-galactose, making a potential future in antiaging research field.